The Future of VC: Blockchain, Web3, and Emerging Markets w/ Qin En Looi, Partner, Saison Capital - EP256

Qin En Looi, a partner at Saison Capital, discusses the venture capital landscape, particularly in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America. Saison Capital, backed by Credit Saison, focuses on early-stage investments and has $150 million in assets under management. The firm has seen three exits and emphasizes the potential of Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi). Looi highlights the efficiency and cost advantages of DeFi, citing examples like Thala, a decentralized currency exchange, and Helix, which tokenizes private credit. He also notes the geopolitical implications, such as near-shoring to Mexico, and the positive impact of the recent Fed rate cut on private investments. NB This episode contains general information and should not be considered financial or investment advice. 

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About Qin En Looi, Partner at Saison Capital

Qin En Looi is a seasoned venture capitalist with a wealth of experience in fintech, B2B commerce, and web3 startups. At Saison Capital, he leads pre-seed and seed investments and advises multiple Southeast Asia-based web3 startups. His previous roles include co-founding Glints, the leading talent ecosystem in Southeast Asia, and earning recognition from Forbes 30 Under 30. Qin En is also the creator and host of the successful podcast “Parents in Tech.”

Timestamps for EP256

• Introduction (0:00)
• Venture Capital Terminology and Investment Strategy (3:19)
• Evolution of Venture Capital and Web3 (5:49)
• Qin En Looi's Journey into Venture Capital (9:56)
• Investment Focus on Web3 and Decentralized Finance (12:29)
• Helix and the Future of Private Credit (20:02)
• Geographic Expansion and Global Opportunities (26:34)
• Concerns About Geopolitical and Economic Tensions (33:59)
• Impact of Fed Rate Cuts on Private Investments (36:40)
• Final Thoughts and Future Outlook (39:27)

Takeaways

1. Web3 Opportunities in Emerging Markets: Southeast Asia and Latin America are ripe for blockchain and decentralized finance innovations, with venture capitalists looking to capitalize on these growing markets.
2. Blockchain and Financial Inclusion: Qin En argues Blockchain technology offers faster and more efficient financial services, helping to increase financial inclusion in underserved regions.
3. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) as a Game Changer: Qin En argues DeFi platforms such as decentralized exchanges are transforming traditional financial models by enabling permissionless, trustless transactions.
4. Private Credit on Blockchain: According to Qin En, tokenizing real-world assets like private credit offers new ways to reduce costs and increase liquidity, opening up more investment opportunities.
5. Geopolitical Risks and Global Expansion: VC firms like Saison Capital are navigating geopolitical tensions by expanding into new markets such as Mexico, taking advantage of nearshoring trends.

Links relevant to the conversation

Saison Capital: https://www.saisoncapital.com/

Information on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which replaced NAFTA:

https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/united-states-mexico-canada-agreement

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